NPDC/NOSL OIL & GAS EXPLORATION: ANOTHER INNOVATION THAT WILL OFFER 5,500 NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN AKWA IBOM STATE

The Akwa Ibom State Caucus in the National Assembly has declared their unwavering support for the 2023 governorship aspiration of Pastor Umo Eno.

The legislators made their position known during a consultation visit on them by the seasoned entrepreneur and leading Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) aspirant which took place at the Abuja residence of Senator Akon Eyakenyi.

In a motion moved by Hon (Dr.) Henry Archibong, and seconded by Hon Nsikak Ekong, the members representing Itu/Ibiono, and Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituencies respectively, the lawmakers unanimously endorsed Pastor Eno as their candidate for the 2023 governorship election.

They noted that their decision to support Pastor Eno is premised on his strong believe for inter-governmental collaboration and partnership, as well as their believe in the Completion Agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

In her remarks, the host, Senator Eyakenyi, thanked the team for the visit, stating that it was a honour for the Umo Eno Campaign Organization to visit and consult them in Abuja.

“We feel honoured to have you come to consult us officially. We are with you and for you. We are the people’s representatives. We have control over the delegates which is the first bridge to cross. If you have the support of the National Assembly caucus, go to sleep, victory is yours. We will follow you till the end. Your victory will be clean and landslide,” she assured.

Senator Eyakenyi advocated for the state to recognize the benefits of having ranking legislators in the National Assembly, and appealed that lawmakers seeking return tickets in the 2023 elections should be encouraged.

“Ranking of Legislators is important because it affords one the opportunity to have leverage and attract more democratic dividends back to their constituencies and State. Let us encourage those who want to go back. The benefits are enormous for the state,” she said.

Addressing the Caucus, Pastor Eno thanked the lawmakers for their support and solidarity, stating that his emergence as the preferred successor is simply a product of God’s grace, which, according to him, has made it possible for senior citizens and political leaders in the state to rise and serve as destiny helpers towards the realisation of his 2023 governorship project.

“I am humbled by the calibre of people here. I thanked God who found me through His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel. The job ahead of us going into the next phase is crucial. We must be able to convert our state assets towards job creation to stem the tide of unemployment. The general national unemployment figures are not looking good. In Akwa Ibom State, agriculture will serve as low hanging fruits that will create quick impact which we will explore.

“You need a Governor that you can advise, who will listen to you, listen to the people and also respect you. I do not know everything that is why I will need your advice and support. I am not one of those who know it all. I will create a partnership that works between the executive branch of government and the legislature for the good of our people,” he stated.

Pastor Eno who pledged to run an all inclusive government, said Small and Medium Enterprise, (SME’s), remains the engine room of any economy, promising to reposition agriculture to play its major role as one of the biggest employer of labour.

Reiterating the need to further the peace currently enjoyed in the state, the accomplished entrepreneur assured that the legacies of the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration would be protected.

“Stand by me, give me your shoulders so that I can ride on your shoulders. My aspiration is not an ambition but a call to serve. With your support we will make Akwa Ibom State better,” he assured.

Introducing the aspirant, the Director-General, Umo Eno Campaign Organization, Amb Assam Assam (SAN), said endorsement by any caucus is a great political capital in any democracy the world over.

“You are not just representing the people. You are speaking for the people. Today, we stand at a threshold of history. Akwa Ibom caucus have done well and would have done more if the country had a PDP government at the centre,” he noted.

He therefore solicited for their endorsement towards the realisation of the Umo Eno 2023 Governorship project.

Also speaking, the National Chairman, Maintain Peace Movement, (MPM), Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, thanked the lawmakers for their show of patriotism, love and oneness, stating that their endorsement as legislators is symbolic and of great significance.

“Parliament is the major ingredient of democracy. Without parliament there is no democracy. We thank you for your support and I can assure you all that with Pastor Umo Eno as Governor, the future of Akwa Ibom State is guaranteed and prevailing peace will be sustained.

Goodwill messages were received from Senator Effiong Bob, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Caucus in the 7th National Assembly, Senator Aloysius Etok, leader, House of Representatives Caucus, Rt Hon Francis Uduyok, member representing Abak Etim Ekpo Ika Federal Constituency, Hon Aniekan Umanah, Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Felicia Bassey, and Dean, College of Commissioners and Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, among others.